Faith under fire: FCC investigates Google, YouTube over alleged discrimination against religious programming

By willowt // 2025-03-11

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by Chairman Brendan Carr, has launched an investigation into YouTube TV over allegations that it discriminates against faith-based programming, specifically excluding Great American Family, a channel offering religious and family-friendly content.
Great American Media, the parent company of Great American Family, claims YouTube TV refuses to carry its channel despite its availability on other major platforms. This has sparked debates about censorship, corporate bias and the role of government in regulating digital platforms.
The investigation reflects long-standing accusations from conservatives and religious groups that tech giants like Google and YouTube suppress right-leaning and faith-based content. The FCC’s probe could challenge Section 230 protections, which shield tech companies from liability for third-party content.
The investigation could lead to new regulations for virtual multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), such as YouTube TV, by extending rules that currently apply to traditional cable providers. This could reshape the regulatory landscape for streaming services.
The FCC’s findings could set a precedent for digital platform regulation, impacting free speech, religious freedom and the balance of power between government and Big Tech. The investigation represents a broader battle over the future of public discourse in the digital age.

In an era where Big Tech’s influence over public discourse has become a lightning rod for controversy, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is taking a stand. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has launched an investigation into YouTube TV over allegations that the streaming platform discriminates against faith-based programming. The probe, announced in a letter to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, centers on claims that YouTube TV has systematically excluded religious and family-friendly content from its lineup. The allegations, brought forward by Great American Media, the parent company of Great American Family, have sparked a heated debate about censorship, corporate bias and the role of government in regulating digital platforms. As the investigation unfolds, it raises critical questions about the future of free expression in an increasingly digital world.

The allegations: A hidden policy against faith-based content?

At the heart of the controversy is Great American Family, a network that has become a staple for viewers seeking faith-based and family-friendly programming. According to Great American Media, YouTube TV has refused to carry the channel, despite its availability on other major platforms like Comcast, Cox, Hulu, FuboTV and DirecTV Stream. In his letter, Chairman Carr highlighted the discrepancy, writing, “YouTube TV refuses to carry [Great American Family], while other cable and streaming services do.” He added that the allegations come at a time when “American public discourse has experienced an unprecedented—and unacceptable—surge in censorship.” Carr’s concerns are not unfounded. Over the past decade, conservative voices and religious organizations have repeatedly accused tech giants like Google and YouTube of bias, alleging that their algorithms and policies disproportionately suppress right-leaning content. While YouTube has consistently denied these claims, the FCC’s investigation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing battle over digital censorship. A YouTube spokesperson responded to the allegations, stating, “We welcome the opportunity to brief the FCC on YouTube TV’s subscription service and the strategic business decisions we make based on factors like user demand, operational cost and financial terms, and to reiterate that we do not have any policies that prohibit religious content.”

Historical context: A pattern of censorship?

The FCC’s investigation is not happening in a vacuum. For years, conservatives have accused Big Tech companies of engaging in viewpoint discrimination, particularly against religious and right-leaning content. From demonetizing conservative creators to shadow-banning political commentary, platforms like YouTube have faced mounting criticism for their opaque content moderation practices. Chairman Carr has been a vocal critic of these practices, often citing Section 230 of the Communications Act, which shields tech companies from liability for third-party content posted on their platforms. In his letter, Carr noted that Google’s products, including YouTube, “have benefited from the protections contained in Section 230.” However, he emphasized that these protections are contingent on companies acting in “good faith.” “If there is any action on Section 230, tech companies are likely to challenge the FCC’s authority,” Carr acknowledged. Indeed, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, a Democrat, has argued that only Congress can amend Section 230, and that the FCC’s involvement in content moderation issues could be a “fool’s errand.” Despite these challenges, Carr’s investigation reflects a growing consensus among conservatives that Big Tech’s unchecked power poses a threat to free speech and diversity of thought. As Carr wrote, “Understanding the nature of carriage policies in the virtual MVPD sector can help inform the FCC’s approach to the broader set of regulatory issues the FCC has been called upon to address.”

The broader implications: A turning point for digital regulation?

The FCC’s probe into YouTube TV could have far-reaching implications for the streaming industry and beyond. If the investigation uncovers evidence of discriminatory practices, it could pave the way for new regulations governing virtual multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), such as YouTube TV. Currently, the FCC’s authority over virtual MVPDs is limited compared to traditional cable providers. However, Carr’s letter references Section 616 of the Communications Act, which prohibits discriminatory practices in carriage agreements between traditional MVPDs and video programming vendors. The FCC has been exploring whether to extend similar rules to virtual MVPDs, a move that could significantly alter the regulatory landscape for streaming services. Critics of the investigation argue that YouTube TV’s programming decisions are protected as a form of editorial discretion, akin to free speech rights for private companies. They also point out that Great American Family is available on YouTube’s main platform, with channels like Pure Flix and Great American Family boasting hundreds of thousands of subscribers. However, Carr and his supporters contend that the issue is not just about access but about fairness. As Carr wrote, “These concerning allegations come at a time when American public discourse has experienced an unprecedented surge in censorship.” For many conservatives, the investigation represents a long-overdue reckoning with Big Tech’s growing influence over what we see, hear and think.

What’s next?

As the FCC prepares to brief Google and YouTube executives on March 11, the tech and media industries are watching closely. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for how digital platforms are regulated in the future, with significant implications for free speech, religious freedom and the balance of power between government and Big Tech. For now, one thing is clear: the battle over faith-based programming on YouTube TV is about more than just one channel. It’s a fight for the soul of American discourse in the digital age—and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Sources include: JustTheNews.com Deadline.com CordCutterNews.com